The National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NPNCD) in India uses 'opportunistic screening' strategy for NCDs at Health and Wellness Centres. This approach specifically means:
- A Screening all individuals aged ≥30 years who attend HWC for any reason, without invitation ✓
- B Random population surveys for prevalence estimation of hypertension and diabetes
- C Active door-to-door screening by ASHA workers in high-burden districts
- D Mass screening camps held once per year in each Gram Panchayat
Explanation
Opportunistic screening under NPNCD means that any person aged 30 years or above who attends a Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) or sub-centre for any reason — curative, preventive, or family planning — is screened for hypertension, diabetes, and three common cancers (oral, cervical, breast) without a specific invitation or appointment. This 'case-find at every contact' strategy is cost-effective in high-footfall primary care settings. It differs from population-based screening (targeted invitations) or door-to-door screening (active outreach).
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.